Death by Proxy

Proxy is a word often used in StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty multiplayer strategy discussion, referring to an aggressive strategy in which players build unit-producing structures close to their opponent’s base and away from their own.

There are both risks and rewards to utilizing this strategy, and it’s important to weigh these carefully when considering such an aggressive tactic. Solid positioning can essentially pen in an opponent and starve them of resources. An even more aggressive “proxy rush” could catch your opponent off-guard and cripple them or even be that finishing drive that takes them out of the game. On the opposite end of the spectrum, splitting your focus between protecting your own base and managing your advanced position could be a drain on your own resources or leave you overly exposed before you can make your big push.

For experienced players, a proxy base of operations or proxy rush is often a part of their repertoire; for newer players, mastering either can be a tall order. As a part of our ongoing multiplayer discussions, we wanted to find out more about your own tips for mastering (or countering) this strategy. What makes this strategy so powerful or so risky? How do the three races handle the proxy rush differently? How do you counter it?